Flip-lid mirror cosmetic-product packaging and method of manufacture thereof

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a flip-lid mirror cosmetic-product packaging and method of manufacture thereof. The flip-lid mirror cosmetic-product packaging includes a base unit, a half lid, and a mirror lid. The base unit includes a tray having plurality of cosmetic products. The base unit has a first elongate side and a second elongate side. The half lid is pivotally attached to the first elongate side with an accommodation gap. The mirror lid is pivotally attached to an upper edge of the second elongate side. Furthermore, an edge of mirror lid abuts to the second elongate side, to maintain mirror lid in a tilted pivotal angle when mirror lid is in an open state. The mirror lid in its closed state lies adjacent to the tray, and is accommodated within the accommodation gap, so that the half lid in its closed state overlays an externally-facing surface of mirror lid in its closed state.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to product packaging, and morespecifically to flip-lid mirror cosmetic-product packaging that protectscosmetics products during transport, presentation for sale and eventualassistance with use of the cosmetics products by users. Moreover, thepresent disclosure relates to methods of (for) manufacturing aforesaidflip-lid cosmetic-product packaging.

BACKGROUND

Generally, a product packaging provides protection to a given productagainst degradation during storage, shipping and handling. Moreover, theproduct packaging contributes to an aesthetic appearance of the givenproduct and an appeal of buying the given product. Typically, glass,plastics materials and metals are used for fabricating cosmetic productpackaging. A recent trend shows an increased use of plastics materialsfor packaging cosmetic products. However, users usually discard thepackaging of the cosmetic products, wherein packaging is generallyplastic based. Such discarded plastics-materials-based waste results inplastics-material microparticles and nanoparticles in rivers and oceans,causing water pollution.

Moreover, the conventional cosmetic product packaging, which isgenerally in a form of a plastics-material case, is has multipleproblems associated therewith. For example, when opening and closing agkven conventional cosmetic product packaging (such as a case) requiresa pre-determined pressure which may lead to improper or incompleteclosure of the case which in turn may lead to contamination or spoilage(such as drying, hardening or cracking) of the cosmetic product storedtherein. Furthermore, the frequent opening and closing of the case withpressure may also result in failure of a locking mechanism used therein.Moreover, the locking mechanisms used in the conventional cosmeticproduct packaging are not discrete, and often creates sounds when inoperation that can be irritating at times to users.

Therefore, in light of the foregoing discussion, there exists a need toovercome the aforementioned drawbacks associated with the conventionalcosmetic product packaging.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure seeks to provide an improved flip-lid mirrorcosmetic-product packaging. Moreover, the present disclosure seeks toprovide at least a partial solution to an existing technical problem ofimproper waste management of packaging of cosmetic products. An aim ofthe present disclosure is to provide a solution that at least partiallyovercomes the aforesaid problems encountered in known art.

In one aspect, there is provided a flip-lid mirror cosmetic-productpackaging, wherein the flip-lid mirror cosmetic-product packagingincludes:

(i) a base unit including a tray having a plurality of types ofcosmetics products disposed spatially in an array on the tray, the baseunit having a first elongate side and a second elongate side on mutuallyopposite sides of the base unit;

(ii) a half lid that is pivotally attached to the first elongate sidewith an accommodation gap;

(iii) a mirror lid that is pivotally attached to an upper edge of thesecond elongate side, wherein an edge of the mirror lid abuts to thesecond elongate side, to maintain the mirror lid in a tilted pivotalangle when the mirror lid is in an open state; and

(iv) the mirror lid in its closed state lies adjacent to the tray, andis accommodated within the accommodation gap, so that the half lid inits closed state overlays an externally-facing surface of the mirror lidin its closed state.

The embodiments of the present disclosure substantially eliminate, or atleast partially address, the aforementioned problems in the prior artand allows for a given user to be provided with an environment-friendlycosmetic-product packaging.

The present disclosure provides for a substantial reduction in wastageof resources used in manufacturing the cosmetic-product packaging.Additionally, the present disclosure provides the cosmetic-productpackaging that is reusable and recyclable.

Optionally, an externally-facing surface of the half lid is providedwith a first stud having a first flange with cord or cord loop attachedthereto, and the externally-facing surface of the mirror lid is providedwith a second stud having a second flange for receiving the cord or cordloop to maintain the half lid and the mirror lid secured together whenthe flip-lid mirror cosmetic-product packaging is to be maintained in aclosed state.

Optionally, the flanges of the first and second studs have a diameter ina range of 10 mm to 25 mm.

Optionally, the flanges are secured to the half lid and the mirror lidby employing hollow metallic rivets.

Optionally, the half lid and the mirror lid are provided with apermanent magnet arrangement to assist to maintain the half lid retainedadjacent to the mirror lid when the flip-lid mirror cosmetic-productpackaging is to be maintained in a closed state.

Optionally, the permanent magnet arrangement includes a magnet arrangedwith the half lid, and wherein the mirror lid includes a ferrous sheetof metal magnetically attracted to the magnet in the half lid.

Optionally, an inside surface of the mirror lid is provided with amirror with a surrounding margin to retain the mirror to the mirror lid,and wherein the mirror lid has an area, including the mirror and thesurrounding margin, substantially same as an area of the base unit.

Optionally, the half lid is disposed in a range of 2 mm to 6 mm, moreoptionally at about 4 mm, above an upper plane of the tray to providethe accommodation gap.

Optionally, the mirror lid has a thickness in an order of 3 mm, andwherein the thickness of the mirror lid provides an edge buffer thatmaintains the mirror lid at an angle in a range of 45° to 85° relativeto a plane of the tray, when the mirror lid is in the open state.

Optionally, the base unit has an elongate length, along the firstelongate side and the second elongate side, in a range of 12 cm to 20cm, and a lateral width, orthogonal to the first elongate side and thesecond elongate side, in a range of 8 cm to 12 cm.

Optionally, a total thickness of the flip-lid mirror cosmetic-productpackaging in a range of 1.5 cm to 3.0 cm.

Optionally, the base unit, the mirror lid and the half lid arefabricated from paper or cardboard-containing materials.

Optionally, one or more surfaces of the half lid and the mirror lid havea wipe-clean surface coating.

Optionally, one or more surfaces of the half lid and the mirror lid areprovided with a finish onto which graphical images are susceptible tobeing printed.

In another aspect there is provided a method of (for) manufacturing aflip-lid mirror cosmetic-product packaging, wherein the method includes:

(i) fabricating a base unit including a tray having a plurality of typesof cosmetics products disposed spatially in an array on the tray, thebase unit having a first elongate side and a second elongate side onmutually opposite sides of the base unit;

(ii) arranging for a half lid to be pivotally attached to the firstelongate side with an accommodation gap;

(iii) arranging for a mirror lid to be pivotally attached to an upperedge of the second elongate side, wherein an edge of the mirror lidabuts to the second elongate side, to maintain the mirror lid in atilted pivotal angle when the mirror lid is in an open state; and

(iv) arranging for the mirror lid in its closed state to lie adjacent tothe tray, and to be accommodated within the accommodation gap, so thatthe half lid in its closed state overlays an externally-facing surfaceof the mirror lid in its closed state.

Optionally, the method further comprises providing a first stud having afirst flange with cord or cord loop with an externally-facing surface ofthe half lid, and providing a second stud having a second flange forreceiving the cord or cord loop with the externally-facing surface ofthe mirror lid to maintain the half lid and the mirror lid securedtogether when the flip-lid mirror cosmetic-product packaging is to bemaintained in a closed state.

Optionally, the flanges of the first and second studs have a diameter ina range of 10 mm to 25 mm.

Optionally, the flanges are secured to the half lid and the mirror lidby employing hollow metallic rivets.

Optionally, the method further comprises providing a permanent magnetarrangement with the half lid and the mirror lid to assist to maintainthe half lid retained adjacent to the mirror lid when the flip-lidmirror cosmetic-product packaging is to be maintained in a closed state.

Optionally, the permanent magnet arrangement includes a magnet arrangedwith the half lid, and wherein the mirror lid, at its external-facingsurface, includes a ferrous sheet of metal magnetically attracted to themagnet in the half lid.

Optionally, the method further comprises providing a mirror to an insidesurface of the mirror lid with surrounding margin to retain the mirrorto the mirror lid, and wherein the mirror lid has an area, including themirror and the surrounding margin, substantially same as an area of thebase unit.

Optionally, the half lid is disposed at about 4 mm above an upper planeof the tray to provide the accommodation gap.

Optionally, the mirror lid has a thickness in an order of 3 mm, andwherein the thickness of the mirror lid provides an edge buffer thatmaintains the mirror lid at an angle in a range of 45° to 85° relativeto a plane of the tray, when the mirror lid is in the open state.

Optionally, the base unit has an elongate length, along the firstelongate side and the second elongate side, in a range of 12 cm to 20cm, and a lateral width, orthogonal to the first elongate side and thesecond elongate side, in a range of 8 cm to 12 cm.

Optionally, a total thickness of the flip-lid mirror cosmetic-productpackaging is in a range of 1.5 cm to 3.0 cm.

Optionally, the base unit, the mirror lid and the half lid arefabricated from paper or cardboard-containing materials.

Optionally, one or more surfaces of the half lid and the mirror lid havea wipe-clean surface coating.

Optionally, one or more surfaces of the half lid and the mirror lid areprovided with a finish onto which graphical images are susceptible tobeing printed.

Additional aspects, advantages, features and objects of the presentdisclosure would be made apparent from the drawings and the detaileddescription of the illustrative embodiments construed in conjunctionwith the appended claims that follow.

It will be appreciated that features of the present disclosure aresusceptible to being combined in various combinations without departingfrom the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appendedclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The summary above, as well as the following detailed description ofillustrative embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunctionwith the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the presentdisclosure, exemplary constructions of the disclosure are shown in thedrawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to specificmethods and instrumentalities disclosed herein. Moreover, those skilledin the art will understand that the drawings are not to scale. Whereverpossible, like elements have been indicated by identical numbers.

Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way ofexample only, with reference to the following diagrams wherein:

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a perspective view of a flip lid mirrorcosmetic-product packaging in a closed state, in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a top perspective view of a flip lid mirrorcosmetic-product packaging in an open state in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is an illustration of a side perspective view of a flip lidmirror cosmetic-product packaging in an open state in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is an illustration of a front perspective view of a flip lidmirror cosmetic-product packaging in an open state in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure, and;

FIG. 5 is an illustration of steps of a method for manufacturing aflip-lid mirror cosmetic-product packaging in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure.

In the accompanying drawings, an underlined number is employed torepresent an item over which the underlined number is positioned or anitem to which the underlined number is adjacent. A non-underlined numberrelates to an item identified by a line linking the non-underlinednumber to the item. When a number is non-underlined and accompanied byan associated arrow, the non-underlined number is used to identify ageneral item at which the arrow is pointing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The following detailed description illustrates embodiments of thepresent disclosure and ways in which they can be implemented. Althoughsome modes of carrying out the present disclosure have been disclosed,those skilled in the art would recognize that other embodiments forcarrying out or practising the present disclosure are also possible.

In one aspect, there is provided a flip-lid mirror cosmetic-productpackaging, wherein the flip-lid mirror cosmetic-product packagingincludes:

(i) a base unit including a tray having a plurality of types ofcosmetics products disposed spatially in an array on the tray, the baseunit having a first elongate side and a second elongate side on mutuallyopposite sides of the base unit;

(ii) a half lid that is pivotally attached to the first elongate sidewith an accommodation gap;

(iii) a mirror lid that is pivotally attached to an upper edge of thesecond elongate side, wherein an edge of the mirror lid abuts to thesecond elongate side, to maintain the mirror lid in a tilted pivotalangle when the mirror lid is in an open state; and

(iv) the mirror lid in its closed state lies adjacent to the tray, andis accommodated within the accommodation gap, so that the half lid inits closed state overlays an externally-facing surface of the mirror lidin its closed state.

In another aspect there is provided a method of (namely, a method for)manufacturing a flip-lid mirror cosmetic-product packaging, wherein themethod includes:

(i) fabricating a base unit including a tray having a plurality of typesof cosmetics products disposed spatially in an array on the tray, thebase unit having a first elongate side and a second elongate side onmutually opposite sides of the base unit;

(ii) arranging for a half lid to be pivotally attached to the firstelongate side with an accommodation gap;

(iii) arranging for a mirror lid to be pivotally attached to an upperedge of the second elongate side, wherein an edge of the mirror lidabuts to the second elongate side, to maintain the mirror lid in atilted pivotal angle when the mirror lid is in an open state; and

(iv) arranging for the mirror lid in its closed state to lie adjacent tothe tray, and to be accommodated within the accommodation gap, so thatthe half lid in its closed state overlays an externally-facing surfaceof the mirror lid in its closed state.

The present disclosure provides the flip-lid mirror cosmetic-productpackaging for storing one or more cosmetic products housed in a tray.The flip-lid mirror cosmetic-product packaging protects the cosmeticproducts therein during transport, shipping, presentation for sale andprovides convenience to customers, eventually. Beneficially, one of thelids (namely, the mirror lid) is provided with a suitably sized mirrorso that a user may apply the cosmetic product conveniently, which is anadded advantage over the known cosmetics product packaging. Furthermore,the flip-lid mirror cosmetic-product packaging disclosed herein providessustainable management of resources, as the packaging is reusable andrecyclable. The flip-lid mirror cosmetic-product packaging disclosedherein is, durable and user-friendly. It will be appreciated that theflip-lid mirror cosmetic-product packaging in addition to beingconvenient and user friendly, is also aesthetically appealing tocustomers.

Throughout the present disclosure the term “cosmetics products” as usedherein refers to products employed for enhancing human facial featuresin an aesthetically pleasing manner. The different types of cosmeticproducts include, but not limit to, powder-based cosmetics products,gel-based cosmetics products, crème based cosmetic products, water-basedcosmetic products and so forth. In an example, cosmetic products includebut do not limit to compacts, contours for different skin tones,different shades and textures of blushes, eyeshadows, kohl, lip shadesand so forth.

Furthermore, throughout the present disclosure, the term “flip-lidmirror cosmetic-product packaging” refers to an external packaging forthe at least one cosmetic product with a mirror for the convenience ofapplication of the at least one cosmetic product. For the sake ofsimplicity, the term “flip-lid cosmetic-product packaging” may besometimes referred to as “cosmetic-product” packaging without anylimitations. Generally, the at least one cosmetic product is provided toa potential user of the cosmetic product, by a manufacturer of thecosmetic product, by arranging (namely, placing) the at least onecosmetic product within the cosmetic-product packaging for the purposeof transport, presentation for sale and eventual assistance with use ofthe cosmetic products by users.

It will be appreciated that a shape, size and form of thecosmetic-product packaging is chosen according to a shape, size and formof the one or more cosmetic products arranged therein. Typically, thecosmetic-product packaging has a three-dimensional (3D) geometricalshape, for example, such as a cylindrical shape, a cuboidal shape, acubical shape, a pentagonal shape, a hexagonal shape, a prism shape, apyramid shape, a sphere shape, or any other polygonal shape, of varyingsize and volume depending upon the content (namely, cosmetic product)therein. The cosmetic-product packaging is designed to be opened andclosed for accessing, using, and storing the at least one cosmeticproduct therein.

In addition, the cosmetic-product packaging is fabricated from at leastone material, such as a plastics material, a paper-based material, awood-based material, a glass, a fiber and the like. Moreover, thetexture of the at least one material used for fabricating thecosmetic-product packaging can be substantially rough, smooth, or anycombination thereof, for example, some portions of the cosmetic-productpackaging may be rough, such as for usefully providing a good grip overthe cosmetic-product packaging; some portions of the cosmetic-productpackaging may be smooth, such that for printing graphics on the exteriorof cosmetic-product packaging; and some portions of the cosmetic-productpackaging may be a combination of rough and smooth, such that for makingthe cosmetic-product packaging appear more appealing to the user. Forexample, by “smooth” is meant a surface undulation of less than 0.05 mmto 0.25 mm, and preferably, 0.08 mm to 0.15 mm. Moreover, by “rough” ismeant a surface undulation of more than 0.05 mm to 0.25 mm, andpreferably, 0.08 mm to 0.15 mm. In addition, a finish of thecosmetic-product packaging could be uncoated, glossy, matte, and thelike.

Beneficially, the cosmetic-product packaging provides protection to theat least one cosmetic product therein. Notably, the cosmetic-productpackaging protects the cosmetic product from any damage caused byphysical impacts (for example, such as falls, crushing, rough handling,friction with surfaces or other objects, and the like), shocks, knocksand any other accidental factors (such as heat damage, spillage damage,and the like).

Generally, the one or more cosmetic products is placed within thecosmetic product packaging so as to provide protection to the one ormore cosmetic products against any damage caused by physical impactsduring rough handling, transporting or storing of the product.Generally, the cosmetic-product packaging has a three-dimensional shapesuch as cuboidal, cubical, hexagonal, pyramidal shape and the like, forexample as described in the foregoing. The cosmetics product packagingis designed to be opened and closed for storing and accessing the atleast one cosmetic product.

The flip-lid mirror cosmetic-product packaging includes a base unit. Thebase unit is generally rectangular in shape with a recess into which isconveniently placed the tray with one or more cavities to retain aplurality of types of cosmetics products. Herein, a plurality of typesof cosmetics products disposed spatially in an array on the tray. Therecess in the base unit is a three-dimensional space which could be ofvaried shapes. Generally, the shape of the recess in the base unit issame as the shape of the tray. For example, the base unit may berectangular in shape, while the shape of the tray may be circular, orshaped in the form of a heart, a star and the like. In such case, theshape of the recess is similar to the shape of the tray, such that thetray is conveniently accommodated into the recess. However, in someexamples, the shape of the recess can be different from the shape of thetray. For example, the base unit and the recess may be both rectangularin shape and the shape of the tray may be circular, or shaped in theform of a heart, a star and the like without any limitations as long asthe tray can be accommodated in the recess. The dimensions of the recessin the base unit are, generally, larger than the dimensions of the trayso that the tray can be conveniently fitted into the recess of the baseunit.

Optionally, the base unit can be designed to have more than one recesseswith same or different shapes and sizes in order to accommodate morethan one tray in the base unit. For example, the base unit may have tworecesses. In such case, one of the recesses may be used to accommodateone tray with a plurality of cosmetic products and the other recess maybe used to accommodate another tray with brushes/applicators forapplying the cosmetic products enclosed in the said one tray.

In the flip-lid mirror cosmetic-product packaging, one of the elongatedsides of the base unit is referred to as “first elongate side” and theelongated side mutually opposite to the first elongate side is referredto as “second elongate side”. A half lid is pivotally coupled to anupper edge of the first elongate side such that the half lid is disposeda few millimeters above the plane of the tray leaving an accommodationgap. An edge of the half lid which is not coupled to the first elongateside is referred to as “free elongate side” of the half lid. The halflid has two surfaces, namely an internally facing surface that facestowards the tray and an externally facing surface that lies opposite tothe internally-facing surface of the half lid. The half lid has an areaabout half of the area of the base unit such that when placed over thebase unit or the tray, the half lid covers only half of the base unit,or the tray placed therein.

Also, a mirror lid is pivotally coupled to an upper edge of the secondelongate side of the base unit from one of elongated sides thereof. Inparticular, an edge of the mirror lid is pivotally connected to theupper edge of the second elongate side such that the mirror lid ismaintained at a certain angle when the mirror lid is in an open state.In particular, the edge of the mirror lid abuts to the second elongateside, to maintain the mirror lid in a tilted pivotal angle when themirror lid is in the open state. Other elongate side of the mirror lidwhich is not coupled to the second elongate side is referred to as “freeelongate side” of the mirror lid. For the sake of simplicity andclarity, “the half lid and the mirror lid” are, sometimes, collectivelyreferred to as the “lids” in the description.

The mirror lid has two surfaces, namely an internally-facing surfacethat faces towards the tray and an externally-facing surface that liesopposite to the internally-facing surface, when the mirror lid is placedover the tray or the base unit, i.e. when the mirror lid is in a closedstate. The mirror lid has an area that is substantially the same area asthe area of the base unit such that the mirror lid completely covers thebase unit, and the tray therein, in the closed state. When thecosmetic-product packaging is in a closed state, the mirror lid liesadjacent to the tray and to be accommodated within the accommodation gapsuch that the half lid overlays, i.e. lies above or on top of, theexternally-facing surface of the mirror lid in its closed state. Themirror lid serves as a covering for the one or more cosmetic products inthe tray. Additionally, the half lid provides partial covering to themirror lid, thus aiding in the proper closure of the flip-lid mirrorcosmetic-product packaging.

According to an embodiment, the mirror lid can be pivotally moved awayfrom the tray or the base unit in the range of 0° to 150° measured inclockwise sense relative to the plane of the tray or the base unit. Inone example, the mirror lid can be pivotally moved away from the tray orthe base unit in the range of 0° to 120° measured in clockwise senserelative to the plane of the tray or the base unit. Also, the half lidcan be pivotally moved away from the externally-facing surface of themirror lid in the range of 0° to 180° measured in anti-clockwise senserelative to the plane of the tray or the base unit. In one example, thehalf lid can be pivotally moved away from the externally-facing surfaceof the mirror lid in the range of 0° to 90° measured in anti-clockwisesense relative to the plane of the tray or the base unit.

According to an embodiment, the base unit has an elongate length, alongthe first elongate side and the second elongate side, in a range of 12cm to 20 cm, and a lateral width, orthogonal to the first elongate sideand the second elongate side, in a range of 8 cm to 12 cm. In otherwords, the first elongate side and the second elongate side have lengthsin the range of 12 cm to 20 cm. Notably, the half lid and the mirror lidare coupled with the first elongate side and the second elongate siderespectively of the base unit. Therefore, the elongate length of thehalf lid and the mirror lid substantially corresponds to the elongatelength of the first elongate side and the second elongate side of thebase unit respectively. Thus, the elongate length of the half lid andthe mirror lid is also in the range of 12 cm to 20 cm. Furthermore, themirror lid has a lateral width corresponding to the lateral width of thebase unit. Thus, the lateral width of the mirror lid is in the range of8 cm to 12 cm. Furthermore, the half lid has a lateral widthcorresponding to about half of the lateral width of the base unit. Thus,the lateral width of the half lid is in the range of 4 cm to 6 cm.Thereby, the overall flip-lid mirror cosmetic-product packaging has anelongate length in the range of 12 cm to 20 cm and lateral width in therange of 8 cm to 12 cm.

In an embodiment, the flip-lid mirror cosmetic-product packaging has atotal thickness in a range of 1.5 cm to 3.0 cm, therefore providing asleek design to the cosmetic-packaging. Such a sleek design makes thecosmetic-product packaging portable and hence the user may carry thecosmetic products enclosed therein to workplace or while travelling withease and comfort. Optionally, the thickness of the cosmetic-productpackaging may vary in the range of 1.0 cm to 5.0 cm.

Optionally, the half lid is disposed at a distance in a range of 2 mm to6 mm, more optionally about 4 mm above an upper plane of the tray toprovide the accommodation gap. Accordingly, the mirror lid has athickness of about 3 mm such that the mirror lid is convenientlyaccommodated within the accommodation gap of 4 mm. Notably, thethickness of the mirror lid is less than a width of the accommodationgap so that the mirror lid is conveniently placed within theaccommodation gap. Beneficially, the thickness of the mirror lidprovides an edge buffer that maintains the mirror lid at an angle in arange of 30° to 90°, more preferably range of ca 45° to ca 85°, relativeto a plane of the tray, or surface onto which the cosmetic-productpackaging is placed, in the anti-clockwise sense, when the mirror lid isin the open state.

According to an embodiment, the flip-lid mirror cosmetic-productpackaging including the half lid, the mirror lid and the tray arefabricated from paper or cardboard containing materials. Notably, thepaper or cardboard containing materials are light-weight, easy tohandle, and inexpensive. Beneficially, such paper or cardboardcontaining materials can be easily reused and/or recycled, and thereforeare environmentally friendly. Optionally, the packaging can befabricated using a combination of paper or cardboard containingmaterials. Optionally, the flip lid mirror cosmetic product packagingcan be fabricated using wood, lightweight and recyclable/non-recyclableplastics, biodegradable plastics materials, rubber, biodegradablerubber, and so on.

Optionally, the tray is fabricated from plastics materials which mayinclude, but not limited to, Polyethylene Terephthalate, High-DensityPolyethylene, or Polypropylene. Beneficially, such plastics can berecycled and reused, hence making the overall flip-lid mirrorcosmetics-product packaging environmentally-friendly.

According to an embodiment, the internally-facing surface of the mirrorlid is provided with a mirror with surrounding margin to retain themirror to the mirror lid; alternatively, the mirror is adhesively bondedto the mirror lid, or a combination of a surrounding margin and adhesivebonding is employed. Optionally, the surrounding margin can berectangular in shape. The surrounding margin can also be in the form ofwave like structures and the like, to make the internally-facing surfaceof the mirror lid visually appealing. Optionally, the mirror has an areathat is substantially the same area as the mirror lid.

Optionally, the size and shape of the mirror can be varied. For example,the mirror can be accommodated in one half of the mirror lid while theother half can be designed to accommodate appropriate sizebrushes/applicators for the application of one or more cosmetic productsprovided in the cosmetic-product packaging. In another example, themirror can be circular in shape, heart-shaped, oval in shape, in theshape of a diamond and the like.

Optionally, the surrounding margin can be provided with one or morelight emitting diodes (LEDs) in order to assist the user to apply theone or more cosmetic products conveniently in the dark or low lightconditions. Furthermore, optionally, the lids can be provided with aproximity sensor such that the one or more LEDs automatically turn onwhen the mirror lid is in the open state and turn off when the mirrorlid is in the closed state. The power source for the one or more LEDscan be a battery, conveniently concealed in the base unit of thecosmetic-product packaging. For switching ON and OFF, there isoptionally employed a combination of a magnet and a magnetic reed switchfor connecting the one or more LEDs to the battery, wherein the magnetis included in the mirror lid and the battery and one or more LEDs areincluded in the base unit, or vice versa.

Optionally, the half lid and the mirror lid when in the closed statecompletely surround the at least one cosmetic product when the tray isaccommodated within the base unit. The tray is designed in a way toaccommodate fully the at least one cosmetic product within the recess inthe base unit. As a result, the at least one cosmetic product is fullyprotected within the cosmetic-product packaging.

In an embodiment, the externally facing surface of the half lid isprovided with a first stud having a first flange with cord or cord loopattached thereto. The first flange is secured to the half lid byemploying a hollow metallic rivet. The cord or cord loop is attached tothe hollow metallic rivet. Similarly, the externally-facing surface ofthe mirror lid is provided with a second stud having a second flange forreceiving the cord or cord loop. The second flange is secured to themirror lid by employing another hollow metallic rivet. The cord or cordloop is retained by the hollow metallic rivet. Such arrangement allowsto maintain the half lid and the mirror lid secured together when theflip-lid mirror cosmetic-product packaging is to be maintained in theclosed state. The flanges are provided on the lids for the purpose offastening and unfastening the lids in order to provide required accessto the cosmetic products. Thereby, a loose end of the cord or cord loop,that is the end of the cord which is not attached to the first flange,can be wrapped around the second flange to keep the half lid and themirror lid secured firmly together, when the cosmetic-product packagingis in the closed state.

Hereinafter, for the sake of simplicity and clarity, “the first flangeand the second flange” are collectively referred to as the “flanges”throughout the description. The first flange and the second flange arethree dimensional structures, optionally circular in shape. The flangescould be optionally polygonal in shape, elliptical in shape, or have anabstract shape or some specific shape such as a heart shape, a crownshape, a cartoon character shape and the like without any limitations.

Optionally, the first flange is disposed substantially midway along theelongate length of the half lid. By “midway” is meant that the locationof the first flange is equidistant from lateral sides of the half lid.Furthermore, the first flange is disposed closer to the aforementionedfree elongate side of the half lid as compared to the first elongateside. Furthermore, the second flange is disposed at a suitable locationon the mirror lid in line with the first flange so as to receive thecord or cord loop therefrom. By “suitable location” is meant that thesecond flange is equidistant from the lateral sides of the mirror lidand is closer to the second elongate side of the mirror lid.

Optionally, the first flange and the second flange together with themetallic rivets are mutually identical. In such a case, a shape and/or asize of the first flange and the second flange are substantiallymutually identical. By “substantially” is meant identical to within+/−20% in physical dimensions, more optionally to within +/−5% inphysical dimensions. Alternatively, optionally, the first flange and thesecond flange together with the hollow metallic rivets arenon-identical. In such a case, the shape and/or the size of the firstflange and the second flange are mutually different. By “different” ismeant more than +/−5% different from each other in physical dimensions,more optionally more than +/−20% different from each other in physicaldimensions. Optionally, the flanges of the first and second studs have adiameter in a range of 10 mm to 25 mm.

Optionally, the hollow metallic rivets can be made of brass.Furthermore, the rivets can also me made of other lustrous metals/alloyssuch as Aluminium, Copper, Iron, Tin, Gold, Lead, Silver, Bronze, steeland the like. The use of such lustrous metals/alloys provides an addedvisual appeal to the overall packaging.

Notably, the cord or cord loop is an elongate thread-like (orstring-like structure) having elasticity properties that allow for thecord or cord loop to be snugly fitted about the flanges for restrainingthe flanges with respect to each other, as well as to be easilyremovable for releasing the flanges with respect to each other. Notably,the cord or cord loop is made of a flexible material. In other words,the material used for making the flexible cord is optionally stretchy(namely, capable of being stretched). Examples of such flexiblematerials include, but are not limited to, neoprene, rubber, linen,Carbon fiber, polypropylene, Nylon®, polyamide and the like.

According to an embodiment, the half lid and the mirror lid are providedwith a permanent magnet arrangement to assist to maintain the half lidretained adjacent to the mirror lid, when the flip-lid mirrorcosmetic-product packaging is to be maintained in the closed state;optionally, the permanent magnet arrangement is synergistically alsoused for switching ON and OFF one or more LEDs, as aforementioned.Optionally, the permanent magnet arrangement includes a magnet arrangedwith the half lid, and the mirror lid includes a ferrous sheet of metalmagnetically attracted to the magnet in the half lid. The force ofattraction generated by the magnet is sufficient to hold the half lidand the mirror lid together when the flip-lid cosmetic product packagingis in the closed state. Alternatively, the half lid is provided with aferrous sheet of metal and the mirror lid is provided with a magnet suchthat the half lid is magnetically attracted to the externally-facingsurface of the mirror lid to hold the half lid and the mirror lidtogether when the flip-lid cosmetic product packaging is in the closedstate. Alternatively, the half lid includes a first magnet and themirror lid includes a second magnet of opposite polarity so as tosecurely hold the half lid and the mirror lid together by the force ofattraction of the two magnets of opposite polarities when the flip lidcosmetic product packaging is in the closed state. The permanent magnetarrangement may prevent the one or more cosmetic products enclosed inthe flip-lid mirror cosmetic-product packaging from falling out, and mayfurther reduce risk of contamination of the one or more cosmeticproducts due to dust particles, smoke, and the like.

In an embodiment, the mirror lid includes a ferrous sheet of metal, thehalf lid includes a magnet, and the peripheral boundary of the base unitis provided with another magnet. When in the closed state, the mirrorlid is magnetically attracted to the peripheral boundary of the baseunit. Furthermore, the half lid is magnetically attracted to theexternally-facing surface of the mirror lid. Such an arrangementprovides an enhanced closure to the flip-lid mirror cosmetic-productpackaging.

Optionally, the metal used in the ferrous metal sheet of the mirror lidor the half lid include, but not limit to, metals/alloys like cast Iron,high Carbon steel, mild steel, stainless steel, and the like.Furthermore, the metal sheet used therein can also be a non-ferrousmetal with magnetic properties which include, but not limit, to Copper,Brass, Lead and Zinc

In an embodiment, one or more surfaces of the half lid and the mirrorlid, such as the externally facing surfaces of the half lid and themirror lid, are provided with a finish onto which graphical images aresusceptible to being printed. Additionally, the internally facingsurfaces of the half lid and mirror lid are also provided with thefinish. Furthermore, the external surfaces of the base unit are providedwith the finish. Such a finish could be a glossy finish, a matte finish,and the like. Optionally, one or more surfaces of the half lid and themirror lid, such as the externally facing surfaces of the half lid andthe mirror lid, have a wipe-clean surface coating. Additionally, theinternally facing surfaces of the half lid and mirror lid have awipe-clean surface coating. Furthermore, the external surfaces of thebase unit may have a wipe-clean surface coating.

Moreover, appealing graphical images are printed on the externalsurfaces of the flip-lid mirror cosmetic-product packaging. Notably,printing the graphical images on the one or more surfaces of thecosmetic-product packaging provides an enhanced visual appearance to thecosmetic-product packaging. Furthermore, such graphical images can alsobe employed to convey information to potential buyers and users of theat least one cosmetic product enclosed within the cosmetic-productpackaging; for example, the information pertains to instructionsregarding a manner of use of the at least one cosmetic product (forexample, allergy information). Examples of such graphic images include,but are not limited to, a brand name of the manufacturer of the at leastone cosmetic product, a logo of the manufacturer of the at least onecosmetic product, a shade of the at least one cosmetic product, acollection to which the at least one cosmetic product belongs, a priceof the at least one cosmetics product, an expiry date of the at leastone cosmetic product, direction of use of the at least one cosmeticsproduct, an image, an abstract design, a pattern, text, and numericcharacters. In an example, all outer surfaces of the flip-lid mirrorcosmetic-product packaging may be provided with a glossy finish and thebrand name of the manufacturer of the at least one cosmetic product andthe shade of the at least one cosmetics product may be printed onto suchone or more surfaces. Optionally, the graphic images include holograms,prismatic 3D images, thermally-responsive chromic ink patterns, glitterimages and so forth.

In an exemplary implementation, when not in operation, that is not inuse, the mirror lid is firstly laid down onto the tray, and then thehalf lid is closed onto to the mirror lid, wherein the aforesaidaccommodation gap accommodates a thickness of the mirror lid. The halflid and the mirror lid under the force of magnetic attraction, provide aclosure mechanism, partially sealing the one or more cosmetic productcontained in the flip lid mirror cosmetic product packaging.Furthermore, the loose end of the aforementioned cord attached to thefirst flange can be stretched and wrapped around the second flange forsecurely closing the half lid and the mirror lid in order to maintainthe flip-lid mirror cosmetic product packaging in the closed position.In such closed position, the at least one cosmetic product is preventedfrom falling out of the flip-lid mirror cosmetic-product packaging.

Furthermore, when the one or more cosmetic products are to be accessed,the flip lid mirror cosmetic product packaging is disposed into the openposition. For opening the lids, the aforementioned loose end of the cordcan be stretched in a manner such that the loose end is no longerrestrained by the second flange. Furthermore, a minimal amount ofpressure is to be applied against the force of attraction of thepermanent magnet arrangement in order to separate the internally facingsurface of the half lid from the externally-facing surface of the mirrorlid. Once separated, the half lid can be moved pivotally away from thebase unit and subsequently the mirror lid can be moved pivotally awayfrom the half lid, such that the tray is accessible to the user. Themirror lid can be pivotally moved within a range of 0° to 150° measuredin clockwise sense relative to the plane of the base unit or the tray.In other words, the mirror lid has a range of 30° to 180° measured inanti-clockwise sense relative to the surface onto which the flip-lidmirror cosmetic-product packaging is placed. Notably, at an angle of180° in anti-clockwise sense relative to the plane of the surface, themirror lid is in the closed state. Furthermore, the mirror lid can bepreferably maintained at an angle in the range of 30° to 60° measured inanti-clockwise sense relative to the plane of the tray when in the openstate due to the edge of the mirror lid abutting to the second elongateside, to maintain the mirror lid in the tilted pivotal angle, ready foruse during personal beautification activities.

The present disclosure also relates to the method as described above.Various embodiments and variants disclosed above apply mutatis mutandisto the method.

Optionally, the method further comprises providing a first stud having afirst flange with cord or cord loop with an externally-facing surface ofthe half lid, and providing a second stud having a second flange forreceiving the cord or cord loop with the externally-facing surface ofthe mirror lid to maintain the half lid and the mirror lid securedtogether when the flip-lid mirror cosmetic-product packaging is to bemaintained in a closed state.

Optionally, the flanges of the first and second studs have a diameter ina range of 10 mm to 25 mm.

Optionally, the flanges are secured to the half lid and the mirror lidby employing hollow metallic rivets.

Optionally, the method further comprises providing a permanent magnetarrangement with the half lid and the mirror lid to assist to maintainthe half lid retained adjacent to the mirror lid when the flip-lidmirror cosmetic-product packaging is to be maintained in a closed state.

Optionally, the permanent magnet arrangement includes a magnet arrangedwith the half lid, and wherein the mirror lid, at its external-facingsurface, includes a ferrous sheet of metal magnetically attracted to themagnet in the half lid.

Optionally, the method further comprises providing a mirror to an insidesurface of the mirror lid with surrounding margin to retain the mirrorto the mirror lid, and wherein the mirror lid has an area, including themirror and the surrounding margin, substantially same as an area of thebase unit.

Optionally, the half lid is disposed at about 4 mm above an upper planeof the tray to provide the accommodation gap.

Optionally, the mirror lid has a thickness in an order of 3 mm, andwherein the thickness of the mirror lid provides an edge buffer thatmaintains the mirror lid at an angle in a range of ca 45° to ca 85°relative to a plane of the tray, when the mirror lid is in the openstate.

Optionally, the base unit has an elongate length, along the firstelongate side and the second elongate side, in a range of 12 cm to 20cm, and a lateral width, orthogonal to the first elongate side and thesecond elongate side, in a range of 8 cm to 12 cm.

Optionally, a total thickness of the flip-lid mirror cosmetic-productpackaging is in a range of 1.5 cm to 3.0 cm.

Optionally, a total thickness of the second elongate side is in a rangeof 2 mm to 5 mm, more preferably in a range of 2 mm to 4 mm.

Optionally, the base unit, the mirror lid and the half lid arefabricated from paper or cardboard-containing materials.

Optionally, one or more surfaces of the half lid and the mirror lid havea wipe-clean surface coating.

Optionally, one or more surfaces of the half lid and the mirror lid areprovided with a finish onto which graphical images are susceptible tobeing printed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 2 in combination, there are illustratedperspective views of a flip lid mirror cosmetic-product packaging 100 ina closed state and an open state respectively, in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, the flip lidmirror cosmetic-product packaging 100 includes a base unit 102. The baseunit 102 includes a tray 10 having a plurality of types of cosmeticsproducts 12 disposed spatially in an array on the tray 10 (as shown inFIG. 2). The base unit 102 has a first elongate side 104 and a secondelongate side 106 on mutually opposite sides thereof. Optionally, thearray is a spatially regular array; alternatively, the array isimplemented in a pseudo-random manner.

The flip lid mirror cosmetic-product packaging 100 includes a half lid108 that is pivotally attached to an upper edge 104A of the firstelongate side 104 with an accommodation gap (such as accommodation gap109, shown in FIG. 3) formed between the half lid 108 and the tray 10.The half lid 108 has an externally-facing surface 108A and an internallyfacing surface 108B. The flip lid mirror cosmetic-product packaging 100also includes a mirror lid 110 that is pivotally attached to an upperedge 106A of the second elongate side 106. When the mirror lid 110 is inan open position at an angle of a range of ca 30° to ca 90°, morepreferably a range of ca 45° to ca 85°, the mirror lid 110 abuts/restson the upper surface 106B of the second elongate side 106. This allowsthe mirror lid 110 to be in a good position for anyone applying makeupfrom the cosmetic-product packaging 100. In one preferred embodiment,the second elongated side 106 is wider than the first elongated side 104to allow a more rigid resting of the mirror lid 110 when in the openposition. The mirror lid 110 has an externally-facing surface 110A andan internally facing surface 110B. The mirror lid 110 in its closedstate lies adjacent to the tray 10, and is accommodated within theaccommodation gap 109, so that the half lid 108 in its closed stateoverlays the externally-facing surface 110A of the mirror lid 110 in itsclosed state.

The externally-facing surface 108A of the half lid 108 is provided witha first stud 112 having a first flange 114 secured to theexternally-facing surface 108A by a hollow metallic rivet 116, and witha cord or cord loop 118 attached thereto. The externally-facing surface110A of the mirror lid 110 is provided with a second stud 120 having asecond flange 122 secured to the externally-facing surface 110A byanother hollow metallic rivet 124, and with the cord or cord loop 118retained thereby, when the flip lid mirror cosmetic-product packaging100 is in the closed state.

Furthermore, an inside surface, or the internally facing surface 110B,of the mirror lid 110 is provided with a mirror 126 with surroundingmargin 128 to retain the mirror 120 to the mirror lid 110 (as moreclearly illustrated in FIG. 4).

Further, the half lid 108 and the mirror lid 110 are provided with apermanent magnet arrangement 130 to assist to maintain the half lid 108retained adjacent to the mirror lid 110, when the flip-lid mirrorcosmetic-product packaging 100 is to be maintained in the closed state.The permanent magnet arrangement 130 includes a magnet 132 arranged withthe half lid 108 (as illustrated in FIG. 2), and the mirror lid 110includes a ferrous sheet of metal 134 magnetically attracted to themagnet in the half lid 108.

Referring to FIG. 3, illustrated is a side perspective view of a fliplid mirror cosmetic-product packaging in a partly open state 300, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Herein, thehalf lid 108 is in its closed state and the mirror lid 110 is in itsopen state. It should also be noted that the half lid 108 is pivotallyattached to the first elongate side 104 with the accommodation gap 109formed between the half lid 108 and the tray 10.

Referring to FIG. 5, there are illustrated therein steps of a method 500for (namely, a method of) manufacturing a flip-lid mirrorcosmetic-product packaging, in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

At a step 502, the base unit including the tray having a plurality oftypes of cosmetics products disposed spatially in an array on the trayis fabricated such that the base unit has a first elongate side and asecond elongate side on mutually opposite sides thereof.

At a step 504, the half lid is arranged to be pivotally attached to thefirst elongate side with the accommodation gap.

At a step 506, a mirror lid is arranged to be pivotally attached to theupper edge of the second elongate side such that an edge of the mirrorlid abuts to the second elongate side to maintain the mirror lid in atilted pivotal angle when the mirror lid is in the open state.

At a step 508, the mirror lid is arranged in its closed state to lieadjacent to the tray, and is accommodated within the accommodation gap,so that the half lid in its closed state overlays the externally-facingsurface of the mirror lid in its closed state.

The steps 502 to 508 are only illustrative and other alternatives canalso be provided where one or more steps are added, one or more stepsare removed, or one or more steps are provided in a different sequencewithout departing from the scope of the claims herein.

Modifications to embodiments of the present disclosure described in theforegoing are possible without departing from the scope of the presentdisclosure as defined by the accompanying claims. Expressions such as“including”, “comprising”, “incorporating”, “have”, “is” used todescribe and claim the present disclosure are intended to be construedin a non-exclusive manner, namely allowing for items, components orelements not explicitly described also to be present. Reference to thesingular is also to be construed to relate to the plural.

1. A method of manufacturing a flip-lid mirror cosmetic-productpackaging, wherein the method includes: (i) fabricating a base unitincluding a tray having a plurality of types of cosmetics productsdisposed spatially in an array on the tray, the base unit having a firstelongate side and a second elongate side on mutually opposite sides ofthe base unit; (ii) arranging for a half lid to be pivotally attached tothe first elongate side with an accommodation gap; (iii) arranging for amirror lid to be pivotally attached to an upper edge of the secondelongate side, wherein an edge of the mirror lid abuts to the secondelongate side, to maintain the mirror lid in a tilted pivotal angle whenthe mirror lid is in an open state; and (iv) arranging for the mirrorlid in its closed state to lie adjacent to the tray, and to beaccommodated within the accommodation gap, so that the half lid in itsclosed state overlays an externally-facing surface of the mirror lid inits closed state.
 2. The method of claim 1 further comprising providinga first stud having a first flange with cord or cord loop with anexternally-facing surface of the half lid, and providing a second studhaving a second flange for receiving the cord or cord loop with theexternally-facing surface of the mirror lid to maintain the half lid andthe mirror lid secured together when the flip-lid mirrorcosmetic-product packaging is to be maintained in a closed state.
 3. Themethod of claim 1 further comprising providing a permanent magnetarrangement with the half lid and the mirror lid to assist to maintainthe half lid retained adjacent to the mirror lid when the flip-lidmirror cosmetic-product packaging is to be maintained in a closed state.4. The method of claim 3, wherein the permanent magnet arrangementincludes a magnet arranged with the half lid, and wherein the mirrorlid, at its external-facing surface, includes a ferrous sheet of metalmagnetically attracted to the magnet in the half lid.
 5. The method ofclaim 1 further comprising providing a mirror to an inside surface ofthe mirror lid with surrounding margin to retain the mirror to themirror lid, and wherein the mirror lid has an area, including the mirrorand the surrounding margin, substantially same as an area of the baseunit.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the half lid is disposed atabout 4 mm above an upper plane of the tray to provide the accommodationgap.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the mirror lid has a thickness inan order of 3 mm, and wherein the thickness of the mirror lid providesan edge buffer that maintains the mirror lid at an angle in a range of45° to 85° relative to a plane of the tray, when the mirror lid is inthe open state.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the base unit has anelongate length, along the first elongate side and the second elongateside, in a range of 12 cm to 20 cm, and a lateral width, orthogonal tothe first elongate side and the second elongate side, in a range of 8 cmto 12 cm.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein a total thickness of theflip-lid mirror cosmetic-product packaging is in a range of 1.5 cm to3.0 cm.